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J.b. Priestley 's An Inspector Calls

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A Comparative Essay An Inspector Calls vs A Study In Scarlet This essay will explore the representation of the mystery genre through J.B Priestley’s play An Inspector Calls and Arthur Conan Doyle’s A Study in Scarlet. The extent to which the detectives are shown to be archetypal characters of the genre will be discussed, as well as the various ways different literary conventions add to the tone of suspense and mystery. The way in which An Inspector Calls and Study in Scarlet are written creates impact and tension for the readers. An Inspector Calls is written as a play, which means a high amount of dialogue. This allows the audience to be exposed to the thoughts of each of the characters and allows the audience to experience the contrast …show more content…

The readers are also exposed to the deep thoughts of his mind, “This fellow may be very clever, I said to myself, but he is certainly very conceited”. The character of Watson is believable and comforting, he warmly invites the readers into this world of mystery. Our bond is deepened by the fact that all these experiences are as new to Watson as they are to the readers. This paired with the autobiographical style of writing authenticates the narrative further. These elements increase the suspense and mystery within the text and particularly the readers’ concern for the safety of its characters. As has been shown, tension and suspense can be created through both dialogue and first-person perspectives in the mystery genre. Another point of contrast between An Inspector Calls and A Study In Scarlet are the detective figures. Inspector Goole initially seems to be an ordinary Brumley police inspector, he is described in the stage directions as giving ‘an impression of massiveness, solidity and purposefulness’. He takes charge immediately and remains in control throughout. He remains solid as each member of the family breaks down, as nothing distracts him from his purpose. He is definitely an archetypal detective figure of the mystery genre as he does things very systematically and deals with ‘one line of enquiry at a time’, Therefore controlling the structure of the play. Although, as the play goes on the members of

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